Candles contain
the potential for fire,
for flame, but to burn,
must be ignited.
Two wooden planks
crossing each other
take on significance
from a dying man
then blaze down through
history as a symbol
of the most famous
execution of all time.
But if a picture has no
spiritual meaning for
the artist, can it still
inspire the believer?
Even if it delights the eye,
engages the mind and
is widely appreciated
for its formal qualities,
if no deeper insight
illuminates the work,
however much it pleases
it may fail to touch the heart.